Video camera imager and imager IC capable of plural kinds of double-Image processings

ABSTRACT

An inventive video camera imager supports an interlace scan mode, a dynamic range-widening scan (WS) mode and a sequential scan mode with a limited amount of circuitry. For this, a WS image signal of 2N lines and a sequential scan image signal of 2N lines (N is the number of scan lines of an image to be obtained) is used. Every other line of WS image signal is longer in exposure time than adjacent lines of the WS image signal. A simplified imager may support only interlace scan mode and sequential scan mode, or may support only WS mode and sequential scan mode.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention generally relates to an imaging method andapparatus for use in a video camera and more specifically to an imagerthat can operates in one of at least two double-image processing modes.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Conventional television systems such as the NTSC (NationalTelevision System Committee) system are using the interlace scanning.However, the sequential scanning has come to be used for a higherresolution. Also, in order to widen the dynamic range of an imagingapparatus, some of the imagers adopt a dynamic range-widening scanscheme by using a CCD device having twice the number of pixels in thevertical direction.

[0005] Since ICs (integrated circuits) are increasing in the scale,developing an imager IC (integrated circuit) dedicated to one ofabove-mentioned applications in response to a specific demand wouldresult in a late release of a desired article.

[0006] However, if an imager were simply arranged to meet each of theabove applications, the circuit scale of the imager would become toolarge.

[0007] Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide animaging method and apparatus that efficiently support the interlace scanmode, the dynamic range-widening scan mode and the sequential scan modewith a limited mount of circuitry.

[0008] It is another object of the invention to provide an imager ICthat efficiently supports the interlace scan mode, the dynamicrange-widening scan mode and the sequential scan mode with a limitedmount of circuitry.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to the invention, an imager, for use in a video camera,which can operate in any of an interlace scan mode, a dynamicrange-widening scan (WS) mode and a sequential scan mode. The imagercomprises a CCD portion, responsive to a mode selection signal, forgenerating a corresponding one of an interlace scan image signal, a WSimage signal of 2N lines and a sequential scan image signal of 2N lines(N is the number of scan lines of an image to be obtained). Every otherline of WS image signal is longer in exposure time than adjacent linesof the WS image signal. Each pair of odd lines and even lines of the WSimage signal and the sequential scan image signal is synchronized by two1H-memories. In the WS mode, a synchronized pair of odd and even linesof the WS image signal is added together by a mixer to become a dynamicrange-widened image signal. The interlace scan image signal, the dynamicrange-widened image signal and a pair of odd line signal and even linesignal of the sequential scan image signal are subjected to the imagesignal regulation by a image signal regulator.

[0010] In the interlace scan mode, the regulated interlace scan imagesignal is output through a first input of an alternative selector. Inthe WS mode, the regulated dynamic range-widened image signal is outputthrough the first input of the alternative selector. In the sequentialscan mode, the regulated odd line signal and even line signal of thesequential scan image signal are combined by a sequential scan imagesignal generator into a new sequential scan image signal for output.Also, in the sequential scan mode, the odd line signal and the even linesignal of the sequential scan image signal are added together by anadder to become a new image signal equivalent to the interlace scanimage signal, which new image signal is output through the second inputof the alternative selector.

[0011] In one embodiment, a simplified imager supports only theinterlace scan mode and the sequential scan mode.

[0012] In another embodiment, a simplified imager supports only the WSmode and the sequential scan mode.

[0013] In the IS and WS modes, the image signal regulator calculates avertical contour correction value for the current line from 5 linescentered on the current line. In the SS mode, the image signal regulatorcalculates a vertical contour correction value for each of the currentodd line and even line from 6 lines centered on two current odd and evenlines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0014] Further objects and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments ofthe invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

[0015]FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an exemplary arrangement of animager that effectively supports interlace scan (IS) operation, dynamicrange widening scan (WS) operation and sequential scan (SS) operation inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention;

[0016]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing output image signals a CCD portion 14of FIG. 1 provides in IS, WS and SS operations;

[0017]FIG. 3 is a table useful in understanding the operation of theimager 1 of FIG. 1;

[0018]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an exemplary structure of animage signal regulator 50 of FIG. 1;

[0019]FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an exemplary arrangement of animager that effectively supports IS and SS operations in accordance witha modification of the embodiment of FIG. 1; and

[0020]FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an exemplary arrangement of animager that effectively supports WS (dynamic range widening scan) and SSoperations in accordance with another modification of the embodiment ofFIG. 1.

[0021] Throughout the drawing, the same elements when shown in more thanone figure are designated by the same reference numerals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022]FIG. 1 is a schematic functional block diagram showing anexemplary arrangement of an imager 1 that effectively supports interlacescan (IS) operation, dynamic range widening scan (WS) operation andsequential scan (SS) operation in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment of the invention. In FIG. 1, the imager 1 comprises anoptical and mechanical portion (0MP) 10 for focusing into an image ofthe object to be shot; an OMP driver 12 for driving the optical andmechanical portion 10 in responsive to control signals supplied from theexternal; a CCD (charge coupled device) portion 14 that operates in oneof three (i.e., IS, WS and SS) operation modes in response to a IS/WS/SSselection signal supplied from the outside of the imager 1 (i.e., from anot-shown controller for controlling the entire video camera in whichthe imager 1 is used); a preprocessor 116 for effecting analogprocessing (e.g., AGC (automatic gain control)) of the image signal fromthe CCD portion 14; an analog-to-digital converter (A/C) 18 forconverting the analog image signal from the preprocessor 16 into adigital image signal; a synchronizer 30 for providing a time axisconversion in the dynamic range widening scan (WS) operation or in thesequential scan operation; a signal mixer 40 for mixing two imagesignals of different exposure (or charging) times into a dynamicrange-widened image signal in the WS operation mode; an image signalregulator 50 for providing basic camera signal processing such ascontour correction; a sequentially scanned image signal generator 60 forcomposing a single sequential scan image signal from an odd line fieldsignal and an even line field signal into which a sequential scan imagesignal has been separated by the time axis conversion 30 in the SS mode;an IS and WS signal output portion 70 for outputting an IS or WS imagesignal depending on the operation mode; and an imager controller 80 forsupplying various control signals to respective elements as detailedlater.

[0023] Specifically, the synchronizer 30 comprises a first alternativeselector 32 having one data input 32A connected to the A/D 16 output andits control input terminal connected to an output C1 terminal of theimager controller 80; two 1-line memories (1H) 34 which each store ahorizontal line's worth of pixel data and which have their input portsconnected together to the selector 32 common terminal; and a secondalternative selector 36 having one data input 36A connected to the A/D16 output (and accordingly to the selector 32 input 32A), the other datainput 36B connected to a first one (e.g., 34-1) of two 1H-memories 34and its control input terminal connected to an output C2 terminal of theimager controller 80.

[0024] The signal mixer 40 comprises a mixer 42 having its one datainput 42L connected to the selector 36 common terminal, its the otherdata input 42S connected to a second one (34-2 in this specific example)of two 1H-memories 34 and its control input connected to a controloutput WS of the imager controller 80; and a third alternative selector44 having one data input 44A connected to the selector 36 commonterminal and the mixer input 42L, the other data input 44B connected tothe mixer 42 output and a selector 32 input 32B and its control inputterminal connected to the control output WS of the imager controller 80.The control signal WS takes a binary value depending on whether theoperation mode of the imager 1 (or the CCD portion 14) is in the dynamicrange widening scan (WS) mode or not. It is assumed that the signal WSis logical “1” in case of the WS mode. Then, the mixer 42 is so arrangedas to add the L input signal, which has been longer exposed or charged,and the S input signal, which has been shorter exposed or charged,yielding a dynamic range-widened image signal and to effect an gradationcorrection on the dynamic range-widened image signal if the imager 1 isin the WS mode. Though the common terminal of the alternative selector36 is supplied to the A input of selector 44 in the interlace scan (IS)mode and the sequential scan (SS) mode, the selector 36 common terminalmay be gradation corrected in the mixer 42 and then supplied to the Binput of the selector 44 in the IS and SS modes.

[0025] The image signal regulator 50 has one data input connected acommon terminal of the alternative selector 44, the other data inputconnected to the second IH memory 342 and the mixer input 42S, and itscontrol input connected to a control output SS of the imager controller80. The image signal regulator 50 is detailed later.

[0026] The IS and WS (or Sm) signal output portion 70 comprises an adder72 that is utilized in the SS mode for adding the first and secondoutputs of the image signal regulator 50, which are an odd line signaland an even line signal in the mode, to generate an interlace scannedimage signal; and a third alternative selector 74. The image signalregulator 50 first output is connected to an (odd) input of the SS imagesignal generator 60, the adder 72 first input and a first input of theadder 72 and a selector input 74B. The image signal regulator 50 secondoutput is connected to an (even) input of the SS image signal generator60 and the adder 72 second input. The selector 74 has its control inputconnected to the SS control output of the imager controller 80. The SScontrol signal takes a binary value depending on whether the imager 1 orthe CCD portion 14 is in the SS mode or not. The selector 74 and thecontroller 80 (or the control signal SS) is so configured as to outputthe selector 74A input signal in the SS mode and to output the selector74B input signal in other scan or operation mode.

[0027]FIG. 2 is a diagram showing output image signals a CCD portion 14of FIG. 1 provides in response to a Cccd control signal from thecontroller 80. The Cccd control signal takes three values correspondingto the IS, WS and SS operation modes. As shown in FIG. 2, the CCDportion 14 outputs an IS image signal Si in the IS mode: i.e., outputsan image or field signal of N/2 odd lines and an image signal of N/2even lines successfully every {fraction (1/30)} seconds. The number N isthe number of horizontal scanning lines of an image to be obtained. Inthe dynamic range widening scan (WS) mode, the CCD portion 14 outputs animage of 2N lines every second one of which differs in the exposure (orcharging) time from the adjacent lines every {fraction (1/30)} seconds.And, in the sequential scan (SS) mode, the CCD portion 14 outputs animage of 2N horizontal scan lines every {fraction (1/30)} seconds.

[0028]FIG. 3 is a table useful in understanding the operation of theimager 1 of FIG. 1. In the table, a symbol “X” indicates that acorresponding element is not used or disabled in the mode. Symbols “A”and “B” in the selector columns indicate that the selector outputs thesignal applied to the input terminal labeled with the specified symbol.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, the operation of the imager 1 isdescribed in the following.

Interlace Scan Mode

[0030] If a mode specifying command or signal (IS/WS/SS selectionsignal) from the not-shown controller of the camera in which the imager1 is used indicates the IS mode, then the above-mentioned IS imagesignal Si is output from the A/D 16. In this case, the control signal C1disables the selector 32 and control signal C2 causes the selector 36 toselect the A input signal or output the signal Si, which is basicallyapplied to the selector 44 input A. Since the input 44A is selected, thesignal Si is input to the linked input of image signal regulator 50 tobe subjected to a contour correction and appears at the correspondingregulator 50 output. Since the B input is coupled to the common terminalin the selector 74, the contour-corrected IS image signal Si is outputfrom the selector 74 common terminal.

[0031] In the above example, the signal Si is passed, as it is, to theimage signal adjustor 50 by controlling the selector 44 to select its Ainput. However, the mixer 42 and the selector 44 may be arranged suchthat the mixer 42 executes only a gradation correction and the selector44 selects its B input.

Dynamic Range-Widening Scan Mode

[0032] If the mode specifying command or IS/WS/SS selection signalindicates the IS mode, then the above-mentioned WS image signal Sw isoutput from the A/D 16. Since the selector 32 selects its A input asshown in FIG. 3, the selector 32 outputs the signal Sw. Each of the longexposed lines ({H(2n−1)|n=1, 2, . . . , N} in the specific example ofFIG. 2) is stored in the 1H-memory 34-1, while each of the shortlyexposed lines ({H(2n)|n=1, 2, . . . , N} in the specific example of FIG.2) is stored in the 1H-memory 34-2. The long exposed line data H(2n−1)and the shortly exposed line data H(2n) stored in the 1H-memories 34 aresimultaneously read out and supplied to the mixer 42 respective inputs Land S through the selector 36 input B and common terminal. The mixer 42calculates the sums of corresponding pixels of the long H(2n−1) andshortly H(2n) exposed lines which sums constitute a dynamicrange-widened image signal Sm and gradation corrects the image signalSm, which is supplied to the image signal regulator 50 through theselector 44 input B and common terminal. The regulated image signal Smis output through the selector 74 input B and common terminal.

Sequential Scan Mode

[0033] If the mode specifying command or IS/WS/SS selection signalindicates the SS mode, then the above-mentioned SS image signal Ss isoutput from the A/D 16. Since the selector 32 selects its B input andthe selector 36 selects its A input as shown in FIG. 3, the signal Ss issupplied to the mixer 42 input L through selector 36 input A. In thiscase, the mixer 42 is so arranged as to effect only a gradationcorrection on the L input signal or signal Ss. Since the selector 44 isselecting its A input and the selector 32 is selecting B, thegradation-corrected signal Ss appears at the selector 32 commonterminal. Each odd line and each even line of the signal Ss are storedin the 1H-memories 34-1 and 34-2, respectively. The odd line dataH(2n−1) and the even line data H(2n) stored in the 1H-memories 34 aresimultaneously read out and supplied to the image signal regulator 50through the selector 44 input A and common terminal. This is because themixer 42 is so arranged as to become in active just after the gradationcorrection of signal Ss. The odd and even line signals are regulated bythe image signal regulator 50.

[0034] The regulated odd and even line signals are combined into asequentially scanned image signal in the SS image generator 60 andoutput as the SS image signal. Also, the regulated odd and even linesignals are added together by the adder 72 to become an image signalequivalent to the interlace scanned image signal. Thus obtainedinterlace scan image signal is output through the selector 74 input Aand common terminal. Thus, if the CCD portion 14 or the imager 1 isoperated in the SS mode, the imager 1 can provide not only an SS imagesignal from the SS image generator 60 but also an IS image signal fromthe selector 74 common terminal.

[0035] As described above, the inventive imager 1 can effectivelysupport the interlace scan operation, the dynamic range widening scanoperation and the sequential scan operation.

[0036]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an exemplary structure of animage signal regulator 50 of FIG. 1. In FIG. 4, the image signalregulator 50 comprises a first 1H-memory 52 having its input connectedto the Si/Sm/odd input terminal thereof; a second 1H-memory 53 havingits input connected to the 1H-memory 52 output; a selector 51 having itsinput A connected to the 1H-memory 53 output; a third 1H-memory 54having its input connected to the selector 51 common terminal; a fourth1H-memory 55 having its input connected to the 1H-memory 54; a verticalcontour correction portion 56 having its 6 inputs connected to all theinput and output ports of the first through fourth 1H-memories 52through 55; an alternative selector 57; and a current line signalprocessor 58. The A input of the selector serves as a current odd lineinput terminal and is connected with the node among 1H-memories 52 and53 and the linked input of the element 56. The B input of selector 57serves as a current line input terminal for Si or Sm image signal and isconnected with the node among the 1H-memory 53 output, selector 51 inputA and the linked input of element 56. The control input terminals ofselectors 51 and 57 are connected to the SS control output terminal ofthe imager controller 80. The selector 57 common terminal is connectedto a first input terminal of the current line signal processor 58. Thesecond input terminal of the processor 58 is connected with the nodeamong the 1H-memories 54 and 55 and the linked input terminal of element56. The element 56 output is supplied to the current line signalprocessor 58. The output terminals of the processor 58 serves as theoutput terminals of the image signal regulator 50.

[0037] In the IS and WS modes, assuming the current horizontal line tobe expressed as H(i−2), lines H(i−4) through H(i) of image data aresupplied to the input terminals of the vertical contour correctionportion 56. In other words, the vertical contour correction value forthe current line H(i−2) is calculated from 5 lines H(i−4) to H(i).

[0038] In the SS mode, assuming the current odd and even horizontallines to be expressed as H(2i−3) and H(2i−2), respectively, linesH(2i−5) through H(2i) of image data are supplied to the input terminalsof the vertical contour correction portion 56. In other words, thevertical contour correction values for the current odd H(2i−3) and evenH(2i−2) lines are calculated from 6 lines H(2i−5) to H(2i).

[0039] The arrangement of the inventive image signal regulator 50enables a highly accurate vertical contour correction with a limitedscale of circuit

Modifications

[0040]FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an exemplary arrangement of animager 1 a that effectively supports IS and SS operations in accordancewith a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 1. In FIG. 5, the imager 1a is identical to that of FIG. 1 except that the CCD portion, thesynchronizer and the imager controller have been changed from 14, 30 and80 to 14 a, 30 a and 80 a, respectively; and the mixer 40 has beeneliminated. The CCD portion 14 a has only the IS and SS modes. Theselector 32 has been eliminated and the A/D 16 output is directlysupplied to the 1H-memories 34.

[0041] In the IS mode, a regulated IS signal Si is output from theselector 74 output. In the SS mode, the SS image signal generator 60outputs a regulated SS image signal while the selector 74 outputs theregulated IS image signal.

[0042]FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an exemplary arrangement of animager 1 b that effectively supports WS (dynamic range widening scan)and SS operations in accordance with another modification of theembodiment of FIG. 1. In FIG. 6, the imager 1 b is identical to that ofFIG. 1 except that the CCD portion and the synchronizer and the imagercontroller have been changed from 14, 30 and 80 to 14 b, 30 b and 80 b,respectively. The CCD portion 14 b has only the WS and SS modes. Theselectors 32 and 36 have been eliminated and the A/D 16 output isdirectly supplied to the 1H-memories 34.

[0043] In the WS mode, a regulated and dynamic range-widened imagesignal is output from the selector 74 common terminal. In the SS mode,the SS image signal generator 60 outputs a regulated SS image signalwhile the selector 74 outputs the regulated IS image signal.

[0044] It should be noted that the above-described circuits has beenimplemented by using discrete components. However, each of the circuit30 through 80 in FIG. 1, the circuit 30 a through 80 a of FIG. 5 and thecircuit 30 b through 80 b of FIG. 6 may be implemented as an integratedcircuit (IC) or a part of any IC.

[0045] Many widely different embodiments of the present invention may beconstructed without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. It should be understood that the present invention is notlimited to the specific embodiments described in the specification,except as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of supporting at least an interlace scanmode and a sequential scan mode in a single imager for use in a videocamera wherein the imager includes a CCD portion, the method comprisingthe steps of: (a) in response to a mode selection signal, causing saidCCD portion to generating a corresponding one of an interlace scan imagesignal and a sequential scan image signal, said sequential scan imagebeing comprised of 2N scan lines, where N is the number of scan lines ofan image to be obtained; (b) synchronizing each pair of odd lines andeven lines of a given image signal; (c) passing said interlace scanimage signal in said interlace scan mode and said synchronized pair ofodd and even lines of said given image signal in other scan mode; (d)doing ordinary image regulations such as contour correction in parallelto a first input image signal and a second input image signal to providea first regulated image signal and a second regulated image signal; (e)in response to said mode selection signal indicating said sequentialscan mode, generating a new sequential scan image signal from said firstand second regulated image signals, which are regulated odd and evenline signals in the mode; (f) in response to said mode selection signalindicating said sequential scan mode, adding said first and secondregulated image signals (i.e., said regulated odd and even line signals)together to generate a new interlace scan image signal; and (g)outputting a regulated interlace scan image signal in said interlacescan mode and said new interlace scan image signal in said sequentialscan mode.
 2. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the method furthersupports a dynamic range-widening scan (WS) mode, wherein said step (a)includes the step of causing said CCD portion to generating acorresponding one of an interlace scan image signal, a sequential scanimage signal and a WS image signal of 2N lines, every other line of WSimage signal being exposed longer than adjacent lines of said WS imagesignal, and wherein the method further comprises the steps of: (h)passing said WS image signal to said step (b) to provide a secondsynchronized pair of odd and even lines of said WS image signal; (i)generating a dynamic range-widened image signal from said secondsynchronized pair; (j1) in said sequential scan mode, passing saidsynchronized pair of odd and even lines of said sequential scan imagesignal to said step (d); (j2) in said interlace scan mode, passing saidinterlace scan image signal to said step (d) as said first input imagesignal; and (j3) in said WS mode, passing said dynamic range-widenedimage signal to said step (d) as said first input image signal, wherein:said step (g) outputs a regulated dynamic range-widened image signal insaid WS mode.
 3. A method of supporting at least a dynamicrange-widening scan mode and a sequential scan mode in a single imagerfor use in a video camera wherein the imager includes a CCD portion, themethod comprising the steps of: (a) in response to a mode selectionsignal, causing said CCD portion to generating a corresponding one of adynamic range-widening scan (WS) image signal of 2N lines and asequential scan image signal of 2N lines, N being the number of scanlines of an image to be obtained, and every other line of said WS imagesignal being exposed longer than adjacent lines of said WS image signal;(b) synchronizing each pair of odd lines and even lines of a given imagesignal; (c) generating a dynamic range-widened image signal from saideach pair of odd lines and even lines of said WS image signal in said WSmode; (d) doing ordinary image regulations such as contour correction inparallel to a first input image signal and a second input image signalto provide a first regulated image signal and a second regulated imagesignal; (e1) in said sequential scan mode, passing said synchronizedpair of odd and even lines of said sequential scan image signal to saidstep (d); (e2) in said WS mode, passing said dynamic range-widened imagesignal to said step (d) as said first input image signal; (f) inresponse to said mode selection signal indicating said sequential scanmode, generating a new sequential scan image signal from said first andsecond regulated image signals, which are regulated odd and even linesignals in the mode; (g) in response to said mode selection signalindicating said sequential scan mode, adding said first and secondregulated image signals (i.e., said regulated odd and even line signals)together to generate a new interlace scan image signal; and (h)outputting a regulated dynamic range-widened image signal in said WSmode and said new interlace scan image signal in said sequential scanmode.
 4. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein said step (d) includesthe steps of: in said sequential scan mode, calculating a first verticalcontour correction value for each of a current odd line and a currenteven line of said sequential scan image signal by using 6 lines of dataincluding said current odd and even lines in the center of the 6 lines;in said interlace scan mode, calculating a second vertical contourcorrection value for a current line of said interlace scan image signalby using 5 lines of data including said current line in the center ofthe 5 lines; and performing a vertical contour correction by using saidcalculated vertical contour correction value.
 5. A method as defined inclaim 2, wherein said step (d) includes the steps of: in said sequentialscan mode, calculating a first vertical contour correction value foreach of a current odd line and a current even line of said sequentialscan image signal by using 6 lines of data including said current oddand even lines in the center of the 6 lines; in a mode other than saidsequential scan mode, calculating a second vertical contour correctionvalue for a current line of said first input image signal by using 5lines of data including said current line in the center of the 5 lines;and performing a vertical contour correction by using said calculatedvertical contour correction value.
 6. A method as defined in claim 3,wherein said step (d) includes the steps of: in said sequential scanmode, calculating a first vertical contour correction value for each ofa current odd line and a current even line of said sequential scan imagesignal by using 6 lines of data including said current odd and evenlines in the center of the 6 lines; in said WS mode, calculating asecond vertical contour correction value for a current line of said WSimage signal by using 5 lines of data including said current line in thecenter of the 5 lines; and performing a vertical contour correction byusing said calculated vertical contour correction value.
 7. An imager,for use in a video camera, which supports at least an interlace scanmode and a sequential scan mode, the imager comprising: CCD means,responsive to a mode selection signal, for generating a correspondingone of an interlace scan image signal and a sequential scan imagesignal, said sequential scan image being comprised of 2N scan lines,where N is the number of scan lines of an image to be obtained; meansfor synchronizing each pair of odd lines and even lines of a given imagesignal; means for passing said interlace scan image signal in saidinterlace scan mode and said synchronized pair of odd and even lines ofsaid given image signal in other scan mode; regulation means for doingordinary image regulations such as contour correction in parallel to afirst input image signal and a second input image signal to provide afirst regulated image signal and a second regulated image signal; means,responsive to said mode selection signal indicating said sequential scanmode, for generating a new sequential scan image signal from said firstand second regulated image signals, which are regulated odd and evenline signals in the mode; means, responsive to said mode selectionsignal indicating said sequential scan mode, for adding said first andsecond regulated image signals (i.e., said regulated odd and even linesignals) together to generate a new interlace scan image signal; andmeans for outputting a regulated interlace scan image signal in saidinterlace scan mode and said new interlace scan image signal in saidsequential scan mode.
 8. An imager as defined in claim 7, wherein theimager further supports a dynamic range-widening scan (WS) mode, whereinsaid CCD means includes means for generating a corresponding one of aninterlace scan image signal, a sequential scan image signal and a WSimage signal of 2N lines, every other line of WS image signal beingexposed longer than adjacent lines of said WS image signal, and whereinthe imager further comprises: means for passing said WS image signal tosaid synchronizing means to provide a second synchronized pair of oddand even lines of said WS image signal; means for generating a dynamicrange-widened image signal from said second synchronized pair; meansfor, in said sequential scan mode, passing said synchronized pair of oddand even lines of said sequential scan image signal to said regulationmeans means for, in said interlace scan mode, passing said interlacescan image signal to said regulation means as said first input imagesignal; and means for, in said WS mode, passing said dynamicrange-widened image signal to said regulation means as said first inputimage signal, wherein: said outputting means outputs a regulated dynamicrange-widened image signal in said WS mode.
 9. An imager, for use in avideo camera, which supports at least a dynamic range-widening scan modeand a sequential scan mode, the imager comprising: CCD means, responsiveto a mode selection signal, for generating a corresponding one of adynamic range-widening scan (WS) image signal of 2N lines and asequential scan image signal of 2N lines, N being the number of scanlines of an image to be obtained, and every other line of said WS imagesignal being exposed longer than adjacent lines of said WS image signal;means for synchronizing each pair of odd lines and even lines of a givenimage signal; means for generating a dynamic range-widened image signalfrom said each pair of odd lines and even lines of said WS image signalin said WS mode; regulation means for doing ordinary image regulationssuch as contour correction in parallel to a first input image signal anda second input image signal to provide a first regulated image signaland a second regulated image signal; means for, in said sequential scanmode, passing said synchronized pair of odd and even lines of saidsequential scan image signal to said regulation means and for, in saidWS mode, passing said dynamic range-widened image signal to saidregulation means as said first input image signal; means, responsive tosaid mode selection signal indicating said sequential scan mode, forgenerating, as an output of the imager, a new sequential scan imagesignal from said first and second regulated image signals, which areregulated odd and even line signals in the mode; means, responsive tosaid mode selection signal indicating said sequential scan mode, foradding said first and second regulated image signals (i.e., saidregulated odd and even line signals) together to generate a newinterlace scan image signal; and means for outputting a regulateddynamic range-widened image signal in said WS mode and said newinterlace scan image signal in said sequential scan mode.
 10. An imageras defined in claim 7, wherein said regulation means includes: meansfor, in said sequential scan mode, calculating a first vertical contourcorrection value for each of a current odd line and a current even lineof said sequential scan image signal by using 6 lines of data includingsaid current odd and even lines in the center of the 6 lines; means for,in said interlace scan mode, calculating a second vertical contourcorrection value for a current line of said interlace scan image signalby using 5 lines of data including said current line in the center ofthe 5 lines; and means for performing a vertical contour correction byusing said calculated vertical contour correction value.
 11. An imageras defined in claim 8, wherein said regulation means includes: meansfor, in said sequential scan mode, calculating a first vertical contourcorrection value for each of a current odd line and a current even lineof said sequential scan image signal by using 6 lines of data includingsaid current odd and even lines in the center of the 6 lines; means for,in a mode other than said sequential scan mode, calculating a secondvertical contour correction value for a current line of said first inputimage signal by using 5 lines of data including said current line in thecenter of the 5 lines; and means for performing a vertical contourcorrection by using said calculated vertical contour correction value.12. An imager as defined in claim 9, wherein said regulation meansincludes: means for, in said sequential scan mode, calculating a firstvertical contour correction value for each of a current odd line and acurrent even line of said sequential scan image signal by using 6 linesof data including said current odd and even lines in the center of the 6lines; means for, in said WS mode, calculating a second vertical contourcorrection value for a current line of said WS image signal by using 5lines of data including said current line in the center of the 5 lines;and means for performing a vertical contour correction by using saidcalculated vertical contour correction value.
 13. An integrated circuit,for use in a video camera, which processes an image signal supplied froma CCD portion of the camera in a specified one of at least an interlacescan mode and a sequential scan mode wherein the CCD portion is capableof generating at least an interlace scan image signal and a sequentialscan image signal, the sequential scan image being comprised of 2N scanlines, where N is the number of scan lines of an image to be obtained,the integrated circuit comprising: means for synchronizing each pair ofodd lines and even lines of a given image signal; means for passing saidinterlace scan image signal in said interlace scan mode and saidsynchronized pair of odd and even lines of said given image signal inother scan mode; regulation means for doing ordinary image regulationssuch as contour correction in parallel to a first input image signal anda second input image signal to provide a first regulated image signaland a second regulated image signal; means, responsive to said modeselection signal indicating said sequential scan mode, for generating anew sequential scan image signal from said first and second regulatedimage signals, which are regulated odd and even line signals in themode; means, responsive to said mode selection signal indicating saidsequential scan mode, for adding said first and second regulated imagesignals (i.e., said regulated odd and even line signals) together togenerate a new interlace scan image signal; and means for outputting aregulated interlace scan image signal in said interlace scan mode andsaid new interlace scan image signal in said sequential scan mode. 14.An integrated circuit as defined in claim 13, wherein the imager furthersupports a dynamic range-widening scan (WS) modes wherein the CCDportion can further generate a WS image signal of 2N lines, every otherline of WS image signal being exposed longer than adjacent lines of saidWS image signal, and wherein the integrated circuit further comprises:means for passing said WS image signal to said synchronizing means toprovide a second synchronized pair of odd and even lines of said WSimage signal; means for generating a dynamic range-widened image signalfrom said second synchronized pair; means for, in said sequential scanmode, passing said synchronized pair of odd and even lines of saidsequential scan image signal to said regulation means means for, in saidinterlace scan mode, passing said interlace scan image signal to saidregulation means as said first input image signal; and means for, insaid WS mode, passing said dynamic range-widened image signal to saidregulation means as said first input image signal, wherein: saidoutputting means outputs a regulated dynamic range-widened image signalin said WS mode.
 15. An integrated circuit, for use in a video camera,which processes an image signal supplied from a CCD portion of thecamera in a specified one of at least a dynamic range-widening scan modeand a sequential scan mode wherein the CCD portion is capable ofgenerating at least a dynamic range-widening scan (WS) image signal of2N lines and a sequential scan image signal of 2N lines, N being thenumber of scan lines of an image to be obtained, and every other line ofsaid WS image signal being exposed longer than adjacent lines of said WSimage signal, the integrated circuit comprising: means for synchronizingeach pair of odd lines and even lines of a given image signal; means forgenerating a dynamic range-widened image signal from said each pair ofodd lines and even lines of said WS image signal in said WS mode;regulation means for doing ordinary image regulations such as contourcorrection in parallel to a first input image signal and a second inputimage signal to provide a first regulated image signal and a secondregulated image signal; means for, in said sequential scan mode, passingsaid synchronized pair of odd and even lines of said sequential scanimage signal to said regulation means and for, in said WS mode, passingsaid dynamic range-widened image signal to said regulation means as saidfirst input image signal; means, responsive to said mode selectionsignal indicating said sequential scan mode, for generating, as anoutput of the imager, a new sequential scan image signal from said firstand second regulated image signals, which are regulated odd and evenline signals in the mode; means, responsive to said mode selectionsignal indicating said sequential scan mode, for adding said first andsecond regulated image signals (i.e., said regulated odd and even linesignals) together to generate a new interlace scan image signal; andmeans for outputting a regulated dynamic range-widened image signal insaid WS mode and said new interlace scan image signal in said sequentialscan mode.
 16. An integrated circuit as defined in claim 13, whereinsaid regulation means includes: means for, in said sequential scan mode,calculating a first vertical contour correction value for each of acurrent odd line and a current even line of said sequential scan imagesignal by using 6 lines of data including said current odd and evenlines in the center of the 6 lines; means for, in said interlace scanmode, calculating a second vertical contour correction value for acurrent line of said interlace scan image signal by using 5 lines ofdata including said current line in the center of the 5 lines; and meansfor performing a vertical contour correction by using said calculatedvertical contour correction value.
 17. An integrated circuit as definedin claim 14, wherein said regulation means includes: means for, in saidsequential scan mode, calculating a first vertical contour correctionvalue for each of a current odd line and a current even line of saidsequential scan image signal by using 6 lines of data including saidcurrent odd and even lines in the center of the 6 lines; means for, in amode other than said sequential scan mode, calculating a second verticalcontour correction value for a current line of said first input imagesignal by using 5 lines of data including said current line in thecenter of the 5 lines; and means for performing a vertical contourcorrection by using said calculated vertical contour correction value.18. An integrated circuit as defined in claim 15, wherein saidregulation means includes: means for, in said sequential scan mode,calculating a first vertical contour correction value for each of acurrent odd line and a current even line of said sequential scan imagesignal by using 6 lines of data including said current odd and evenlines in the center of the 6 lines; means for, in said WS mode,calculating a second vertical contour correction value for a currentline of said WS image signal by using 5 lines of data including saidcurrent line in the center of the 5 lines; and means for performing avertical contour correction by using said calculated vertical contourcorrection value.